Golf Clubs and Fitting Tips

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Golf Clubs and Fitting Tips
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Your hands must be in the same position every time. The palms must be in a neutral position, in other words, the palms must face each other. If the right hand gets too far over the top it will cause an outside in swing path. If the right hand gets too far under, it will cause an inside out swing path. Just remember the palms must face each other.

The golf club grip is your only connection between your body and the golf club. You must make sure your hands are in a neutral position (the palms MUST face each other), if the palms are not facing each other it is impossible to have a good lever action at the top, with the golf club pointing at the target.

Off the rack golf clubs work for most people between 5'8" and 6' for the men and 5'4" and 5'6' for the ladies. This is taking into account that you are of an average build and strength. If you are taller or shorter than the ranges above or if you have certain body characteristics that affect the way you set up to the ball, you are a candidate for golf club fitting. If you are tall, you may need longer clubs with an upright lie. Shorter people usually need shorter clubs with a flat lie. If you are overweight or have a large chest, you may not be able to extend your arms as would a leaner person, or if you have medical restrictions because of back or shoulder problems, this could affect your set up and cause a need for club fitting. Strength or lack of also is addressed when fitted for clubs. Having the right flex of shaft for your swing speed is critical in getting the most out of your clubs.

I also recommend golf club fitting for those ready to take the next step to improve their golf game. Properly fitted golf clubs could immediately take several strokes off of you score because of accuracy issues. Everyone should be golf club fitted at some point even if you think you might fall within the averages if not to find out your swing speed alone.

The amount of golf grip pressure needed to swing the club while still maintaining control is one of the key factors in learning to play golf well. The last 3 fingers of the undominant hand hold firmly like a good handshake, while the index, thumb and the other hand are applied lightly yet snugly as if holding a child's hand.

For kids to really enjoy the game of golf they need a positive first experience. The right golf clubs for kids can make all the difference. Kids golf clubs that match their strength, size, and athletic ability, including the Ping Moxie Junior Set, priced about $220. Clubs for youngsters are lightweight, which makes them easy to use in hitting the ball. They're also high-launching and longer-carrying. This will help to make all of their shots fun. A typical startergolf club set includes driver and fairway wood, along with four irons, putter, and sand wedge. Some also come with a stand as well as a bag to hold the clubs.

You need to keep consistent golf grip pressure on your grip. Grip the golf club lightly. Do not squeeze the golf club so tight that your arm muscles tighten up because that will hinder your lever action or hinging action at the top of your back swing. Grip the golf club like you would grip your steering wheel on your car. Remember: Not Too Tight!

Club fitting will take into account several characteristics of the golf club when determining which club setup is for you. The main ones are as follows:

1. Length of club - This is very important on a couple of levels, one is that you want the proper length club so that you feel comfortable with it in your hand. You won't feel the need to choke up on the shaft or feel like you are reaching for the ball. The proper length of club also lets the club maker assemble your club to have the correct flex in the shaft. If you choke up on the club you are in essence moving the kick point which in turn stiffens the shaft. Think of a telephone pole, when the pole is long, it can sway in the wind, cut it shorter and it is extremely stiff.

2. Lie angle of the head - The lie angle of the head is important for accuracy. The lie angle affects the heel and toe of the head. If the club is too flat, the toe will hit first, too upright the heel hits first. You want the middle of the club, below the sweet spot to make contact with the ground first.

3. Flex of the shaft - This is determined by the club speed. Too flexible of a shaft makes accuracy a problem as the club head will not square up, too stiff of a shaft means distance problems as you will lose the power of the shaft in the swing because your speed will not be enough to get it to flex.

4. Loft issues - For some players, loft fitting becomes a factor. If you hit the ball too high, you may be told that you need stronger lofted clubs or low trajectory clubs, if you just dont get the ball up, you may be told that you need higher trajectory clubs. This is more of an advanced kind of fitting as most clubs can't be adjusted this way, they have to be cast or forged strong or weak. Some companies offer lines of clubs this way, usually designated as pro versions for lower trajectory, or ht for higher trajectory.

5. Grip fitting - The size of the grip is important if you have very big hands or very small hands, or arthritis or some other medical reason that needs to be addressed. This is usually determined by your glove size.

The best place to get golf club fitting is at a driving range by a PGA professional. By being at the golf driving range, the professional can see every aspect of your current game including your total ball flight. Simulators and fitting nets do not allow this type of fitting.

A wise old man once said "It is time to retire" as he looked at his two flat/bald tires. So to, when your hands start to slip, it is time to re-grip. Check your grips for wear and suppleness. Rubber not only wears out, but can get hard and develop cracks, too.

Club fitting will take into account several characteristics of the golf club when determining which club setup is for you. The main ones are as follows:

1. Length of club - This is very important on a couple of levels, one is that you want the proper length club so that you feel comfortable with it in your hand. You won't feel the need to choke up on the shaft or feel like you are reaching for the ball. The proper length of club also lets the club maker assemble your club to have the correct flex in the shaft. If you choke up on the club you are in essence moving the kick point which in turn stiffens the shaft. Think of a telephone pole, when the pole is long, it can sway in the wind, cut it shorter and it is extremely stiff.

2. Lie angle of the head - The lie angle of the head is important for accuracy. The lie angle affects the heel and toe of the head. If the club is too flat, the toe will hit first, too upright the heel hits first. You want the middle of the club, below the sweet spot to make contact with the ground first.

3. Flex of the shaft - This is determined by the club speed. Too flexible of a shaft makes accuracy a problem as the club head will not square up, too stiff of a shaft means distance problems as you will lose the power of the shaft in the swing because your speed will not be enough to get it to flex.

4. Loft issues - For some players, loft fitting becomes a factor. If you hit the ball too high, you may be told that you need stronger lofted clubs or low trajectory clubs, if you just dont get the ball up, you may be told that you need higher trajectory clubs. This is more of an advanced kind of fitting as most clubs can't be adjusted this way, they have to be cast or forged strong or weak. Some companies offer lines of clubs this way, usually designated as pro versions for lower trajectory, or ht for higher trajectory.

5. Grip fitting - The size of the grip is important if you have very big hands or very small hands, or arthritis or some other medical reason that needs to be addressed. This is usually determined by your glove size.

Lay the golf club across your undominant hand in a diagonal from index pad to pinky side palm pad. Close the last 3 fingers (pinky, ring, middle). Squeeze firmly and snuggly around the golf club, then close the thumb and index lightly. See how the thumb slants off to the side of the shaft. Now, put your dominant hand on the club with the middle of the palm on either side of the undominant hand's slanting thumb. Close the hand lightly on the club with the thumb slanting off to meet the index finger tip. This neutral golf club grip will promote a straight shot.

The closed golf club grip is used to promote a draw or a hook. Make a neutral golf club grip, but roll the hands back away from the target. This is done in very small increments and should be tried on one hand at a time. I recommend using the undominant hand, then if you need more bend start rolling the dominant hand too. Learn to bend the ball in different degrees and it will add a new dimension to your game and can help you counteract sloping fairways, slice-causing side hill lies, and side winds.

Learning the amount of golf grip pressure needed to swing the golf club smoothly and efficiently as possible while still maintaining control is one of the key factors in learning to play golf well. Try the following golfing drill to assist in this area. Rate your golf grip pressure on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being super-light and 10 being super-tight. Start with a 1 and grip the club progressively tighter as you work your way up to a 10. Identify the change in golf grip pressure and apply a number to it. Then, hit some shots using the same system. You will soon discover the amount of grip pressure which produces your best swing. It will probably be in the 4 to 5 range. Once you have determined the correct grip pressure, constantly identify its feel so you will eventually use it automatically on the course. In addition, remember to maintain a constant golf grip pressure from the start to the end of your swing.

Golf club fitting will take into account several characteristics of the golf club when determining which golf club setup is for you. The main ones are as follows:

1. Length of golf club - This is very important on a couple of levels, one is that you want the proper length club so that you feel comfortable with it in your hand. You won't feel the need to choke up on the shaft or feel like you are reaching for the ball. The proper length of club also lets the club maker assemble your club to have the correct flex in the shaft. If you choke up on the club you are in essence moving the kick point which in turn stiffens the shaft. Think of a telephone pole, when the pole is long, it can sway in the wind, cut it shorter and it is extremely stiff.

2. Lie angle of the head - The lie angle of the head is important for accuracy. The lie angle affects the heel and toe of the head. If the club is too flat, the toe will hit first, too upright the heel hits first. You want the middle of the club, below the sweet spot to make contact with the ground first.

3. Flex of the shaft - This is determined by the club speed. Too flexible of a shaft makes accuracy a problem as the club head will not square up, too stiff of a shaft means distance problems as you will lose the power of the shaft in the swing because your speed will not be enough to get it to flex.

4. Loft issues - For some players, loft fitting becomes a factor. If you hit the ball too high, you may be told that you need stronger lofted clubs or low trajectory clubs, if you just don't get the ball up, you may be told that you need higher trajectory clubs. This is more of an advanced kind of fitting as most clubs can't be adjusted this way, they have to be cast or forged strong or weak. Some companies offer lines of clubs this way, usually designated as pro versions for lower trajectory, or for higher trajectory.

5. Golf Grip Fitting - The size of the grip is important if you have very big hands or very small hands, or arthritis or some other medical reason that needs to be addressed. This is usually determined by your glove size.

The first thing the pro will do is have you warm up for a few minutes with your own golf club. Take several practice golf swings and hit a few golf balls until you feel comfortable and loose. Swing like you normally swing, don't worry if it doesn't look good, that is not important right now.

The next thing the pro will do is examine your current golf clubs by watching where you hold the club, if you are choking up or reaching, plus the pro will be noticing if the toe of your club is pointing up or down when you set up or swing.

The pro will make a quick determination from your initial set-up and start handing you custom golf clubs that are already adjusted for length and lie. He will watch you ball flight and comfort level to see when you are close to a match. When he thinks you are close, he will put some impact tape on the face and sole of the club and have you hit a few more balls off of an impact board. He will examine the tape to see if during the swing the toe or heel is hitting first and if you are making solid center face contact with the ball. At the same time the pro will have set up the swing speed machine and record your actual swing speed.

Armed with this information, the pro will be able to hand you the proper fitted golf club and you should see marked improvement.

There is no shortage of brand names in golf clubs for women. You'll find lots of sales on the Internet as well as in local stores. Among those you might want to consider are the Wilson Pro Staff 360 Ladies Complete Set, with a list price in the $400 range, or the Cougar Tour Cat Pro 17-Piece set, which is priced lower, in the $100 to $200 range. Many of the new clubs have been carefully designed to help women improve their game. For example, women with slower swing speeds will find clubs that will give them maximum loft, no matter where their ball happens to lie. Some of the newer woods have a 13.5 degree higher loft, to give you longer distance and greater accuracy. Irons with wider soles make it easier to achieve a lower center of gravity. They also give you an optimum launch angle for greater control and accuracy. Today's clubs are lighter, too. They can also help you increase your swing speed, and, as night follows day, give you greater ball speed and distance.

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